They are beautiful perennials when they flower. If you want constant color throughout the growing season, Tristan strawberry, Prunella and angel trumpet are not to be confused with. They are easy to grow and require little care.
Tristan Classic
For what is better than a green herb that also gives you sweet-tasting fruit? Tristan gives you both strawberries. This perennial comes from Holland and is hardy in US Department of Agriculture zones 4 through 8. The flowers on the plant look like regular strawberries, but instead of white, they are a deep rose color. Tristan strawberries are a small, compact plant. You can grow this strawberry in raised beds or in 4 to 6 inch potting-soil”>filled soil. Place the pot in in a sunny location. Tristan strawberry plants grow 12 inches tall with a 20 to 25 inch spread.
Prunella
This beautiful flowering plant is hardy in US Department of Agriculture zones 4 through 8. It grows 7 to 12 inches in height with a spreading about 10 inches Prunella is also a perennial herb, which means the stems are soft and green. Although the leaves die back in the winter, they are reborn again in the spring. If you live in colder zones, plant prunella in a field with full sun exposure. For those living in warmer zones, prunella can grow well in part shade during the hot afternoon. This plant tolerates almost every type of soil. The colors of the flower are blue, pink, red and purple. If you want blue flowers, try growing prunes with Freelander Blue.
Angelic song
Angel trumpet is a plant native to South America. It is a hardy perennial in US Department of Agriculture zones 9 through 11. In these zones you can plant angelica trumpet in the ground or grow angelica trumpet in pots which are excellent container plants and make a wonderful addition to your deck or patio. If you live in a zone lower than 9, grow them in a pot so you can move them indoors in the fall. Some angel trumpet plants can survive in zone 8, but frost will not kill them unless they are protected. You can winterize them in a sunny window or cut them up and store them in a cool, dark place like a closet . One rare variety is the lavender angel trumpet. The flowers are lavender in color and fragrant.
Grow angelica trumpet in full sun, unless you live in warmer climates, find a space that provides some shade during the hot afternoon hours. Angelic trumpets are often thirsty, often water. Do not water so much that the field remains wet. otherwise the roots will rot. The soil should remain evenly moist. The flowers are fragrant and come in a variety of colors such as white, yellow, pink and double purple. This plant grows to a height of 6 to 8 feet and prefers moist soil. All parts of the angel’s trumpet are poisoned. If you choose to grow this plant in your yard or home, keep it away from children and care.
Sources:
Gardening: How to Plant and Car for Tristan Strawberries?
Desert Tropicals: Angel Trumpet
“American Horticultural Society A to Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants”; Christopher Brickell; 2004
“The Book of the National Garden”; Setting Books; 1997
